NBA free agency is in full swing, and there are still plenty of moves to be made.
It’s not only the big-name transactions — like Paul George heading to the 76ers on a max deal on Monday, or his former teammate James Harden staying with the Clippers — that can help a team become more competitive.
Under-the-radar moves make a difference, too.
Take the young Spurs, who needed veteran leadership and a point guard; their adding Chris Paul was all about helping young phenom Victor Wembanyama. The Sixers solidified their backcourt with veteran Eric Gordon, while replacing Tobias Harris, who signed with the Pistons. The Clippers, suddenly faced with a void, plucked key role player Derrick Jones Jr. from the Western Conference champion Mavericks.
And, players like Trail Blazers wing Jerami Grant could become available in trades.
Follow the USA TODAY Sports NBA free agency live tracker below for the very latest:
Magic reach deals with Isaac, Mo Wagner
The Orlando Magic plan to bring back forwards Jonathan Isaac and Mo Wagner, a person with knowledge of the agreements told USA TODAY Sports. The person requested anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly until the contracts are signed. Isaac, a big part of Orlando’s No. 3 defense, is returning on a five-year, $84 million deal extension. Wagner will get a two-year, $22 million deal.
Donovan Mitchell, Cavs reach extension
Cleveland Cavaliers All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell has agreed to a three-year, $150.3 million extension with the team, a person with direct knowledge of the deal told USA TODAY Sports. The person requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly until the contract is signed. This deal keeps the 27-year-old Mitchell under contract through the 2027-28 season, though he has a player option on the final year of the deal. The extension kicks in starting with the 2025-26 season, so the Cavaliers will have Mitchell for at least the next three seasons and possibly four. He averaged 26.6 points, 6.1 assists and 5.1 rebounds for the Cavaliers last season.
More moves in free agency Tuesday
- Kyle Anderson, who gave Minnesota depth, reached a three-year, $27 million deal with Golden State, ESPN reported.
- The Indiana Pacers and James Wiseman came to terms on a two-year deal, The Indianapolis Star confirmed.
- Reserve forward-center Xavier Tillman agreed to a two-year deal to stay with the Boston Celtics, ESPN reported.
- Guard Monte Morris will join the Phoenix Suns, The Athletic reported.
Tatum agrees to record extension with Celtics
Jayson Tatum will sign a five-year, $313.9 million extension with the Boston Celtics, a person with knowledge of the deal told USA TODAY Sports. The person requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly until the deal is official. This was an expected move as the Celtics had no intention of letting Tatum get to free agency. It is the largest contract in NBA history, and Tatum is expected to make $71 million in 2029-30, which will make him the first $70 million player in league history. The Celtics were focused on keeping the core of Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Kristaps Porzingis, Jrue Holiday and Derrick White together for the shot a more championships. The Celtics will pay for it, too. They have $600 million plus committed in salary to Tatum and Brown, have paid more than $110 in luxury taxes the past two seasons and will pay at least $50 million in 2024-25. The amount will be even larger when Tatum’s deal kicks in in 2025-26.
Klay Thompson going to Mavericks
Celtics extend Derrick White
The defending champion Boston Celtics are trying to keep their core together, and reached an extension with key guard Derrick White on a four-year, $125.9 million deal, ESPN reported. White was an All-Defense selection and averaged 15.2 points, 5.2 assists, 4.2 rebounds, 1.2 blocks and 1.0 steals in 2023-24. The Celtics will spend significant money on this roster and still need to pay Jayson Tatum for a max extension.
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Tobias Harris heading to Detroit
Former Philadelphia 76ers forward Tobias Harris is finalizing a two-year, $52 million free-agent deal with the Detroit Pistons, a person with direct knowledge of the agreement confirmed to USA TODAY Sports. The person requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly until the contract is signed. . Harris, 31, averaged 17.2 points, 6.5 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game during the 2023-24 regular season.
Sixers extend Tyrese Maxey
Philadelphia 76ers restricted free agent Tyrese Maxey plans to sign a five-year, $204 million extension with the Sixers, a person with direct knowledge of the agreement confirmed to USA TODAY Sports. The person requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly until the contract is signed. The Sixers just reached a deal with Paul George and now secured their 23-year-old All-Star point guard who averaged 25.9 points, 6.2 assists and 3.7 rebounds and shot 45% from the field and 37.3% on 3-pointers in 2023-24.
Thunder landing Isaiah Hartenstein
Center Isaiah Hartenstein will join the Oklahoma City Thunder on a three-year, $87 million contract, ESPN reported. The New York Knicks were not in position to retain Hartenstein, who averaged 7.8 points and 8.3 rebounds and shot 64.4% from the field. The Thunder have bolstered a roster that won 57 games last season, adding Hartenstein via free agency and Alex Caruso via trade.
More moves in free agency Monday
- The Orlando Magic plan to bring guard Gary Harris back on a two-year, $15 million deal, a person with knowledge of the agreement confirmed to USA TODAY Sports. The person requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly until the contract is signed.
- Guard Aaron Holiday will return to Houston on a two-year, $10 million deal, a person with knowledge of the agreement confirmed to USA TODAY Sports. The person requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly until the contract is signed.
- De’Anthony Melton agreed to a one-year, $12.8 million contract with Golden State, The Athletic reported. He played for Philadelphia the past two seasons.
- Center Jalen Smith will depart Indiana for Chicago on a three-year, $27 million deal, a person with direct knowledge of the agreement confirmed to USA TODAY Sports. The person requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly until the contract is signed.
- Oklahoma City key reserve Isaiah Joe will remain with the Thunder on a four-year, $48 million deal and another Thunder reserve, Aaron Wiggins, reached a five-year, $47 million deal to stay with Oklahoma City, The Athletic reported.
- Minnesota Timberwolves back-up center Luke Garza will return to the franchise on a two-year deal, ESPN reported.
- Delon Wright is finalizing a one-year deal with the Milwaukee Bucks, a person with direct knowledge of the agreement confirmed to USA TODAY Sports. The person requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly until the deal is official.
Kelly Oubre set on return to 76ers
Forward Kelly Oubre and the Philadelphia 76ers came to an agreement on a two-year, $16 million deal that will keep the wing on the 76ers, a person with direct knowledge of the agreement confirmed to USA TODAY Sports. The person requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly until the contract is signed. Oubre averaged 15.4 points last season.
Paul George agrees to max deal with Sixers
Free-agent forward Paul George, who had a stellar season for the Los Angeles Clippers last season, has agreed to sign a four-year, $212 million maximum contract with the Philadelphia 76ers, USA TODAY Sports has confirmed.
The 76ers were one of the few high-level playoff-caliber teams with salary cap space to pursue a player like George, who was an All-Star for the ninth time last season.
Clippers get Derrick Jones Jr. from Mavs
Derrick Jones Jr., a key member of the Dallas Mavericks Finals team, reached a three-year, $30 million deal to play for the Los Angeles Clippers, a person a person with knowledge of the deal told USA TODAY Sports. The person requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly until the deal is official. The high-flying Jones averaged 8.6 points and shot 48.3% from the field in his one season with Dallas.
Paul George to leave Clippers
All-Star forward Paul George will not return to the Los Angeles Clippers, the team said in a lengthy news release. “Paul has informed us that he is signing his next contract with another team,” the Clippers said. “Paul is a tremendous talent and an elite two-way player. … We negotiated for months with Paul and his representative on a contract that would make sense for both sides, and we were left far apart. The gap was significant. We understand and respect Paul’s decision to look elsewhere for his next contract.”
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope lands big deal with Magic
Guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is leaving the Denver Nuggets for the Orlando Magic on a three-year, $66 million deal, two people with direct knowledge of the agreement told USA TODAY Sports. They requested anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly until the contract is signed. It’s been an amazing turnaround for Caldwell-Pope. The Pistons renounced his rights in 2017, and since then, he won a title as a key player with Denver in 2023 and the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020, and Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul and Caldwell-Pope have negotiated $150 million in deals in seven years.
Jonas Valanciunas joining Wizards
Free-agent center Jonas Valanciunas intends to sign a three-year, $30 million contract with the Washington Wizards, a person familiar with the agreement told USA TODAY Sports. The person requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly until the deal is official.
This was a surprising decision considering Valanciunas was expected to have multiple playoff-caliber suitors, and the Wizards are amid an extensive rebuild. Valanciunas averaged 12.2 points and shot 55.9% from the field for New Orleans in 2023-24.
Chris Paul gets deal with Spurs
Hours after Golden State waived Chris Paul, the veteran guard reached a one-year, $11 million deal with the San Antonio Spurs, ESPN reported.
Kevin Love sticking with Heat
Forward Kevin Love reached a two-year, $8 million deal to stay with the Miami Heat, The Athletic reported. Love averaged 8.8 points and 6.1 rebounds for the Heat last season.
More free agency deals
- Naji Marshall, who shot a career-high 38.7% on 3-pointers for New Orleans last season, is going to Dallas on a three-year, ESPN reported.
- Mason Plumlee, who played for the Los Angeles Clippers last season, and the Phoenix Suns are finalizing a one-year deal, a person a person with knowledge of the deal told USA TODAY Sports. The person requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly until the deal is official.
- Eric Gordon reached a deal with the Philadelphia 76ers, The Athletic reported.
- Kevin Porter Jr. and the Los Angeles Clippers came to terms on a two-year deal, a person with knowledge of the deal told USA TODAY Sports. The person requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly until the deal is official.
- Center Andre Drummond will join the Philadelphia 76ers on two-year deal worth more than $10 million, HoopsHype reported.
- Center Luke Kornet is headed back to Boston on a one-year deal, a person a person with knowledge of the deal told USA TODAY Sports. The person requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly until the deal is official.
- Royce O’Neale agreed on a four-year, $44 million deal to return to the Phoenix Suns, a person a person with knowledge of the deal told USA TODAY Sports. The person requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly until the deal is official.
Key deals before free agency opened
James Harden, Clippers come to terms on deal
Guard James Harden agreed to a two-year, $70 million deal that will keep him with the Los Angeles Clippers, a person with knowledge of the deal told USA TODAY Sports. The person requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly until the deal is official.
Warriors waive Chris Paul
Cam Christie reaches deal with Lakers
Los Angeles Lakers guard Max Christie, entering his third season, agreed to a four-year, $32 million deal to continue his career with the Lakers, a person with direct knowledge of the deal told USA TODAY Sports. The person requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly until the contract is official. Christie’s brother, Max, was selected by the Los Angeles Clippers in the second round of Thursday’s draft.
Four players staying with same team
- Washington Wizards forward Richaun Holmes has committed to a two-year, $25.9 million deal with the team, a person with direct knowledge of the agreement confirmed to USA TODAY Sports. The person requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly until the contract is signed. The first season is fully guaranteed, but just $250,000 is guaranteed on the final season.
- Forward Obi Tobbin, who the Indiana Pacers acquired last summer from the New York Knicks, plans to stay with the Pacers on a four-year, $60 million, ESPN reported.
- Sacramento Kings center Alex Len is headed for a one-year, 3.3 million to remain in Sacramento, The Athletic reported.
- Forward Patrick Williams has agreed to a five-year, $90 million deal to remain with the Chicago Bulls, The Athletic reported.
LeBron intends to opt out of contract
As expected, LeBron James will opt out of his $51.4 million player option for the 2024-25 season and become a free agent. James, 39, is expected to return to the Los Angeles Lakers for a fifth season, after the team selected his son, Bronny, in the second round of the NBA Draft. James is eligible to sign a three-year, $162 million deal when free agency starts.
Paul George opting out, Russell Westbrook opting in
Los Angels Clippers forward Paul George plans to opt out and become a free agent while Clippers guard Russell Westbrook will exercise his player option with the team at $4 million for the 2024-25 season, a person with knowledge of their plans confirmed to USA TODAY Sports. The person requested anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly about contract situations.
Raptors retain Bruce Brown
The Toronto Raptors exercised the team option on the final season of guard Bruce Brown’s contract, which will pay him $23 million in 2024-25, a person familiar with the team’s decision told USA TODAY Sports. The person requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly until the team makes an official announcement. The Raptors acquired Brown from Indiana in a trade last season, and Toronto may look to trade Brown.
Immanuel Quickley, Raptors agree on deal
Guard Immanuel Quickley plans to stay with the Toronto Raptors on a five-year, $175 million deal, his agent Raymond Brothers said. The Raptors acquired Quickley from the New York Knicks last season.
Lakers’ D’Angelo Russell picks up player option
Los Angeles Lakers point D’Angelo Russell exercised the player option on the final season of his contract and will remain with team, Russell told ESPN. Russell is due $18.6 million for the 2024-25 season, and he may be part of trade talks as the Lakers explore roster opportunities.
OG Anunoby headed back to Knicks
The New York Knicks plan to sign OG Anunoby to a five-year, $212 million contract, a person familiar with the deal confirmed to USA TODAY Sports. The person requested anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly until the deal is official. The Knicks, who won 50 games last season, are keeping their core together with Anunoby, Jalen Brunson, Julius Randle, Mitchell Robinson, Josh Hart and Donte DiVincenzo while adding Mikal Bridges in a trade with Brooklyn.
Anunoby earlier this week declined his player option, which allowed him to become a free agent, and the Knicks and Anunoby took advantage of a new rule that allows teams to negotiate with their own free agents after the Finals and before free agency begins on June 30.
Pascal Siakam staying with Pacers
Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam reached a deal to stay with Pacers on a four-year, $189.5 million contract, a person familiar with the deal confirmed to USA TODAY Sports. The person requested anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly until the deal is official. This was expected – even as far back as January when the Pacers acquired Siakam from Toronto.
Kings secure Malik Monk
Nic Claxton, Nets agree to deal
Center Nic Claxton intends to sign a four-year, $100 million contract and remain with the Brooklyn Nets, a person familiar with the deal confirmed to USA TODAY Sports. The person requested anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly until the deal is official.
Top free agents available
1. LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers, forward, unrestricted free agent, player option
James, who has $51.4 million for 2024-25 left on his contract, indicated at the All-Star Game he wants to remain with the Lakers. But he could opt out and re-sign for more years and more money.
2. DeMar DeRozan, Chicago Bulls, guard, unrestricted
Turning 35 in August, DeRozan was fantastic last season, averaging 24.0 points, 5.3 assists and 4.3 rebounds and shooting 48% from the field and 85.3%on free throws.
3. Tyus Jones, Washington Wizards, unrestricted
Jones had the best assist-turnover ratio in the league (7.3:1.0), shot 48.9% from the field and 41.4% on 3-pointers. He wants to start, and Washington may be the best place for him to do that and get the contract he wants.
4. Gary Trent Jr., Toronto Raptors, unrestricted
Trent averaged 13.7 points and 1.1 steals and shot 39.3% on 3s last season and can be a sly acquisition for a contender in need of bench scoring.
5. Isaac Okoro, Cleveland Cavaliers, restricted
Okoro had his best all-around season, including a career-best 39.1% on 3s, with the Cavs whose offseason roster decisions will be interesting to follow.
6. Buddy Hield, Philadelphia 76ers, unrestricted
The Sixers acquired Hield at the trade deadline. He alternated between starting and coming off the bench, averaging 12.2 points, 3.2 rebounds and 3.0 assists and shooting 28.9% on 3s. Another shooter who will get attention from teams in need of that specialty.
7. Caleb Martin, Miami Heat, unrestricted, player option
The Heat develop players – sometimes they retain them and sometimes they end up elsewhere.
8. Kyle Anderson, Minnesota Timberwolves, unrestricted
The Timberwolves had Anderson on a deal that was friendly for the team. Will the Timberwolves, who are facing financial decisions in coming seasons, be able to retain Anderson on a deal that both sides like?
Follow NBA reporter Jeff Zillgitt on social media @JeffZillgitt
